Imagine a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more – the Strawberry Fields Salad is sure to become your new go-to recipe. This vibrant salad combines succulent strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, tender chicken, creamy avocado, crunchy nuts, and a zesty dressing that will delight your senses. The harmonious balance of sweet and tangy notes creates a truly show-stopping experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish, this salad is sure to please. Plus, it’s an excellent way to repurpose leftover cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken – talk about a win-win! The best part? This recipe shines during spring and summer when seasonal flavors are at their peak. If you’re looking for more strawberry-inspired ideas, try your hand at mascarpone-stuffed strawberry treats, strawberry shortcakes, or strawberry mousse tartlets. And if salads are your thing, don’t miss this chopped chicken blue cheese salad – it’s another winner! The possibilities are endless with this sweet and savory masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love It
Indulge in a symphony of flavors as crunchy, sweet, and savory notes harmonize perfectly in this delightful salad. The ease and speed of using a rotisserie chicken make it an ideal choice for a quick lunch or dinner. Its impressive presentation ensures it will be a crowd-pleaser at gatherings – simply double the recipe to serve a multitude of guests. This vibrant salad embodies the essence of spring and summer, with vitamin-C-rich strawberries, tender chicken, salty feta, and creamy avocado combining in a refreshing celebration of flavors that’s sure to evoke sunshine
For the Salad
The foundation of this salad is a harmonious blend of baby spinach and arugula, where the peppery notes of the arugula are beautifully balanced by the mild sweetness of the spinach. To add some natural sweetness, sliced strawberries are the perfect choice – look for bright red, ripe ones for the best results. Shredded cooked chicken provides a convenient protein component, and can be used with leftover roasted, poached or grilled chicken. The creamy texture and richness of avocado bring a welcome depth to the salad, while crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries. Finally, the crunch and texture provided by toasted walnuts and almonds rounds out this delightful salad combination.
For the Salad Dressing
When crafting the perfect dressing, quality is key. For a rich and tangy flavor profile, opt for grainy Dijon mustard over hotdog-style condiments. Avocado oil can be substituted for olive oil if you prefer a slightly different taste. Meanwhile, choose a runny honey or its sweet alternative, maple syrup, to facilitate smooth blending.
How To Make This Strawberry Salad
To create this delectable salad, begin by constructing its foundation on a large platter. Start with a bed of fresh spinach and arugula, followed by a scattering of juicy strawberries, tender chicken, thinly sliced red onions, crunchy walnuts, toasted almonds, creamy avocado slices, and crumbly feta cheese. Once the base is built, it’s time to bring everything together with the tangy honey mustard dressing. Simply whisk all the ingredients together until well combined, then spoon the dressing over the salad and serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to customizing your salad, there’s a world of possibilities. For leafy greens, you can choose from butter lettuce, crisp romaine, or classic iceberg. If nuts are your thing, pistachios and pecans bring a delightful crunch, but you can also opt for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative. Looking for protein-rich options? Grilled tofu, chickpeas, or cooked quinoa make great substitutes. Cheese lovers will appreciate the tanginess of goat cheese, blue cheese, or mozzarella balls in place of traditional feta. And why not add some natural sweetness with strawberries mixed with blueberries, dried cranberries, sliced oranges, peaches, or cherries? The options are endless and limited only by your imagination.
How To Store Strawberry Fields Salad
While this salad is best enjoyed immediately, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days if necessary. To ensure the salad remains fresh, I suggest storing the greens and dressing separately, then adding the dressing just before serving. The dressing itself will maintain its flavor and texture for up to seven days when sealed and refrigerated. As a versatile condiment, it pairs well with a variety of salads and recipes. However, due to its delicate composition, freezing is not recommended as it may alter the salad’s texture and flavor.
Top Tips
To mitigate the pungency of the onion, try slicing it thinly or soaking it in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad. This subtle step can significantly tone down its flavor. When it’s time to combine the ingredients, gently toss them together using your hands or salad tongs. Be mindful not to bruise the strawberries or avocado slices while mixing, as this can alter their texture and overall presentation. Finally, ensure that all the fruits and vegetables are at their peak ripeness, which will not only enhance their flavors but also provide a satisfying crunch and creamy texture in each bite.
Strawberry Fields Salad FAQs
When it comes to greens, feel free to mix things up! Baby spinach and arugula are great starting points, but you can also try mixed salad greens, kale, or butter lettuce. Just make sure they’re fresh and crisp for the best results. To keep your avocado from browning, slice it just before serving and give it a gentle toss with some lemon or lime juice – the acidity helps slow down oxidation and keeps it looking fresh. If you can’t get your hands on fresh strawberries, thawed frozen ones will do in a pinch. Just be sure to drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the salad. Looking for ways to make this salad more substantial? Consider adding some extra protein like grilled steak, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs. Grains like quinoa or farro can also add some extra fiber and heft.
Strawberry Fields Salad Recipe
Strawberry Fields Salad
Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of summer with Bella Bucchiotti’s delectable Strawberry Fields Salad, featuring a perfect harmony of ripe strawberries, juicy chicken, creamy avocado, crumbly feta, and other delightful ingredients. This refreshing salad is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nutritional powerhouse, requiring only 10 minutes of prep time to serve four.
Instructions
Combine the fresh flavors of a summer salad by layering spinach, peppery arugula, sweet strawberries, juicy chicken, crunchy red onions, nutty walnuts, toasted almonds, creamy avocado slices, and salty feta cheese on a large platter. Next, whisk together the harmonious ingredients for the honey mustard dressing until smooth, then drizzle it over the salad to bring all the flavors together. Serve immediately to savor the delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Notes
To temper the pungency of the onion, try one of two methods: slice it thinly or soak it in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes before incorporating it into the salad. This subtle approach can significantly reduce its harsh flavor. In addition to controlling the onion’s intensity, gently tossing the salad ingredients together just prior to serving is crucial. Use your hands or salad tongs to do this, being mindful not to bruise the delicate strawberries or crush the avocado slices in the process. Finally, ensure that all the fruits and vegetables are perfectly ripe, as this will greatly enhance both the flavor and texture of your salad.